International Business BSc (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Business, Management and Marketing
- Undergraduate
Prepare for a career in business with Kingston Business School. Our courses are truly experiential, providing you with opportunities to undertake company visits, attend networking events and hear best practice from industry guest speakers.
You are reading:
Begin your journey to leadership in international business
You’ll be exposed to all aspects of global business and supported to pursue your individual career ambitions.
When you undertake the International Business BSc (Hons) course, you'll build a business network of peers and future colleagues from the UK and around the globe. Plus, if you choose to undertake a placement year, you will gain an additional year of practical hands-on business experience working and/or studying in an overseas setting. This will greatly enhance your career prospects. In just three years, you'll graduate with the degree and business experience employers are looking for.
It was important to me to pick an International Business degree at a University offering the chance to study and work abroad. This will increase my employability, as well as help me build an international professional network. Plus, I'll get to travel, immerse myself in a different culture, learn a new language and make new friends.
Why choose this course
Working across multiple countries is an everyday reality for most businesses. In an increasingly global environment, studying business from an international perspective and understanding the complexities that underpin internationalisation (connectedness, boundaries, regulations and cultures) is a must for business graduates.
This course will give you an understanding of business management practices all over the world and prepare you to work in global organisations. It will provide you with hands-on, practical experience. You’ll work through real business problems and consultancy projects with real clients and get opportunities for internships.
A complementary personal development programme will help you to discover your career ambitions. Your studies will then prepare you for your next career step by providing you with support to set up your own business.
Plus, our suite of five business management programmes, including the Business Management BSc (Hons), is designed for flexibility. After your first year, you have the option to specialise and easily switch between any of the five related courses. Additionally, you can choose to undertake a professional placement year between your second and final year, even if you didn’t originally apply for the course with an integrated placement.
The experiences you'll gain will help you establish a business network and stand out from the crowd when starting your career. You'll learn from academic tutors, from experts from industry and from each other.
Accreditations
Kingston Business School holds the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in recognition of the excellence of its business education. This accreditation has been earned by just 6% of the world's business schools and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offerings.
This programme is accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).
Ready for business
At Kingston Business School, we believe that professional success is shaped by honing your personal capacity and skillset, supported by the academic framework of knowledge. Through vocationally rich, employer-engaged and research-informed courses, we work alongside our students to help them meet personal goals and career ambitions.
Course content
Take a look at some of the content and modules that you may have the opportunity to study on this course.
Foundation year: Business
If you would like to study this business degree at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc(Hons) course, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year.
The foundation year in business is part of a four-year degree and is taught at Kingston College, close to Ji8¸£ÀûÍø's Penrhyn Road campus. You'll be introduced to professional skills, numerical concepts, business IT, marketing, customer care and business law.
Year 1
Year 1 introduces the foundations of international business. You'll cover the environmental influences faced by organisations, and the key concepts of experience and service management.
You'll also learn about disruptive technologies and how they can be used to deliver digital enhanced solutions for all areas of business, as well as developing innovative ideas through business design thinking.
Core modules
30 credits
This module introduces you to the external context in which organisations operate and in which you will eventually work. As potential managers of the future, defined as someone involved in assisting and directing members of an organisation to achieve their organisational objectives, you'll need to be equipped to understand the component parts of the external context within which organisations function.
The variety and complexity of the external environment and interactions with industries and organisations has a significant impact upon the way organisations and teams are structured. You will gain the skills and knowledge required to be able to research, critically appraise, compare businesses across territories, sectors and size.
30 credits
Information Technology (IT) is the ultimate change agent impacting industry structures, strategic positioning, customer interactions and every part of a business function. 
This module focuses on how data analytics and digital technologies are utilised by businesses to enable better decisions and alter consumer interactions. Understanding the business value of data and digital technology not only requires knowledge and an appreciation of various analytical techniques, but also on the effective use of IT for the gathering, summarising and communication of this information.
You will use a problem-centric approach to apply analytical techniques with the aid of information technology, while developing your employability skills.
30 credits
In today’s dynamic business environment, understanding the interplay between people and organisations is crucial for effective management and sustainable success.
This module delves into the fundamental concepts and theories of organisational behaviour and key principles of human resource management. It emphasises the importance of comprehending effective relationships and interactions between individuals, groups, and the organisations they work within, in an era increasingly dominated by AI and technological advancements.
Through live briefs and work-based learning, you will learn how relationships are built and function, and how by understanding the behaviour and needs of people and adopting of a service mindset they can achieve organisational excellence. 
30 credits
This module introduces you to the core principles of marketing and how they apply in today’s digital world. It covers fundamental marketing concepts, principles, and frameworks before exploring digital marketing, sales management, and professional selling.
You will learn how to create and deliver value to customers, understand buyer behaviour, and develop effective marketing communications. The module also examines how selling and buying have evolved in the digital era.
Through real-world examples, case studies, and interactive role-plays, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in marketing, digital communications, and sales techniques.
Year 2
In Year 2 you'll develop your problem-solving and decision-making skills in the context of international business functions. You'll also look at value creation across all areas of business, developing effective marketing programmes and sustainable and responsible management.
Core modules
30 credits
This module looks at value creation across all functions of the corporation for different industries and types of businesses. It starts with the evaluation of the KPI's of different types of businesses and their respective industries and how to do peer and industry analysis. It then moves to evaluating investment decisions, including capital budgeting, calculating project returns and how to choose the best projects that maximise returns for investment objectives and given risk constraints.
You will learn how to unlock value in a choice of capital structure and financing decisions in terms of instruments, markets where you issue and how you determine your optimal capital structure subject to a target cost of funding and other structural constraints. It finishes with a review of how to put all this together to be able to value a business. Throughout the module you will also be introduced to how negotiation has an impact on each area.
30 credits
This module introduces business design thinking - a set of methods and techniques used to tackle challenges and seize opportunities with creative solutions.
You will explore the realities of managing creativity and innovation within organisations, gaining both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. You’ll work on real-world problems faced by businesses today, applying creative thinking and problem-solving frameworks to develop innovative solutions.
You can choose challenges relevant to your studies, making the learning experience practical and tailored to your interests.
30 credits
This module explores business situations where ethical decisions are made, focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, and business ethics - key topics in today’s business world.
You will examine the theoretical and practical aspects of managing CSR and sustainable development (SD). The module helps you to understand the critical ethical issues that shape business goals and activities.
Your learning will be supported through tutorials, lectures, guest speakers, case studies, and videos, giving you a well-rounded perspective on how CSR and sustainability influence modern business practices.
30 credits
This module examines cultural issues and their impact on international management, helping you to develop skills in research, analysis, observation, and communication within multicultural settings.
You will work in groups to apply theories and concepts to a real company. You will also explore international business environments, including regional economic integration and institutions like the World Trade Organisation, and how they affect businesses.
Additionally, you will study internationalisation theories and strategies, learning how companies can use these concepts to develop effective international expansion plans.
Optional year
You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad at one of our partner universities, or to undertake a year-long international work placement (or even a mix of both).
Professional placement year
This course has a professional placement option which takes place between Year 2 and your Final Year. During this professional placement year you will take a placement within a relevant setting, ensuring you gain essential experience to add to your CV and help you secure a graduate job.
Final year
Your final year develops your critical understanding and your ability to contribute to strategic thinking in a global business. You'll look at leadership in changing environments and be supported to grow your own leadership skills.
You'll also be able to expand your knowledge and skills within marketing, L&D, digital design and customer relationship management.
Core modules
30 credits
This module covers the concepts, theories and techniques on which strategic management is based and explores their application in a wide range of international business and other settings.
It aims to expand students' perspective on wider issues and scenarios, identifying opportunities and growth over medium and long terms. You will develop your ability to communicate and present your commercial awareness across the board.
15 credits
You will establish an understanding of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) as a comprehensive customer-centric approach to an organisation's strategy of acquiring, enhancing, and retaining its customers, and in some cases, a wider group of stakeholders (e.g. students, charity donors).
This module shows how CRM is based on a particular approach to business/marketing strategy/policy, business processes, customer service, employee training, marketing, sales, system applications and information management. An effective CRM strategy and system can reinforce sustainability and profitability of a business, so this module focuses on the business strategy associated with CRM and reflects upon specific strategic situations in which CRM might be deployed effectively.
This module also provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using an available commercial CRM software package to support business intelligence generated from CRM initiatives in support of marketing strategies, customer segmentation, customer retention measures and product offerings. You will also familiarise yourself with the notion of customer success and the roles in much demand in the contemporary marketplace.
15 credits
This module provides you with a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile and determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. You will be supported in this process by a dedicated career coach, who will help you to explore a range of options including self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional Graduate level opportunities. Students will also be given opportunities to engage with external mentors throughout the module to support reflection and to develop a professional network.
You will then undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities that you undertake outside the university through which you are developing your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.
30 credits
This module addresses complexity and sense making techniques to identify changes in the environment. It includes theoretical and practical perspectives of effective and responsible leadership in contemporary complex and changing organisational contexts. You will critically evaluate concepts of leadership alongside current practices of leading change in contemporary organisations faced with complex and uncertain environments.
You will critically reflect on your own leadership capacity and skills in initiating and leading change in different contexts, and consider your own progress and career journey in the context of these environments and leadership styles.
30 credits
Building on your previous knowledge of international business theories and concepts, this module develops your skills in applying theories to the real international business world, through experiential learning working in international teams with real organisations.
You will be able to engage in the latest debates and issues facing international business organisations and offer recommendations to solve real-life international business problems, based on proper research data and analysis.
Future Skills and career opportunities
This course can lead to a wide range of careers, particularly in an international environment. Graduates work as account executives, marketing coordinators, operations managers, technology officers or entrepreneurs developing an international business. Employers include Blue Pen, Experian Cheetah Mail, JP Morgan, Logic, S3 Group and Swedish Embassy.
Embedded within the International Business BSc (Hons) course and throughout the whole Kingston experience is our dedication to Future Skills.
The intention of our Future Skills programme is to provide you with expertise valued by global business employers. We’ll focus on combining your business acumen with problem-solving, digital competence and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these skills. As a result, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and understanding to give you the edge in a competitive employment market.
You will take part in an Assessment Centre Experience, providing the opportunity to experience the pathway to employment with tailored feedback. As part of this experience, You will:
- Develop your understanding of the jobs market, including current trends and opportunities, different recruitment processes and how to identify relevant roles
- Receive personalised feedback reports to help you to improve and progress
Access additional webinars on top tips, employer expectations and best practice
Assessment Centre Experience at Twickenham Stoop Stadium. Photo by James Tye.
At Ji8¸£ÀûÍø, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
Our academic support team here at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, support you throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 30% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 22% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 24% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 70%; practical 30%
- Year 2: Coursework 87%; practical 13%
- Year 3: Coursework 90%; exams 10%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback to you on your assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts around students and lecture sizes are normally 30-50. However this can vary by module and academic year.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| £9,535* | |
| Foundation Year | £5,760 |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £17,700 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £18,500 |
| Year 3 (2027/28): | £19,200 |
| Year 4 (2028/29) | £19,900 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
Please visit the Fees and Funding page for more information.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
The AVSH Scholarship
The AVSH Scholarship is for a student studying either Business Management BSc (Hons) or International Business BSc (Hons). This scholarship includes four years’ tuition fees for a home student (including a placement/'sandwich' year) and bursary support of £5,000 per year of study.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit The AVSH Scholarship page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Ji8¸£ÀûÍø will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
